Green Your Pets: Adopt from Shelters

Pets are such a source of joy, but America’s more than 160 million owned dogs and cats do impact the environment. This week's tips are about how to reduce their environmental pawprint.

Tip #1: Head to the pound.

When you’re looking for a furry pal, skip the pet stores and breeders and visit the pounds and shelters instead. The commercial pet trade creates an excess of animals when millions are already in need of adoption. Plus, the business of selling animals harms rainforests, from which 38 million creatures are removed every year for the retail-pet industry. Shelters stock an excellent selection of breeds (and charming mutts) that need “recycling” into a new home. Some shelters have even gone green!

Tip #2: Watch what you buy. 

Tip #3: Get 'em fixed.

Tip #4: Deal with their dirty work.

Tell us: How did you find your pet?